Tariffs Impacting Halloween Business; Slight Increase Expected
Attendees at the Halloween & Party Expo anticipate only a slight increase in Halloween business for 2026, despite the holiday falling on a Saturday. This cautious outlook comes after a year when U.S. tariffs (ranging from 30-145%) affected companies heavily reliant on China-based manufacturing .
Industry Sentiment: "Last year, big retailers re-evaluated and this year they're ahead of it and won't be surprised [by the added tariff costs]. They've had a year to stabilize," said Mark Von Ohlen, Brand Licensing Manager at Rubies .
Costume Trends: Generic and licensed costumes are getting equal billing, along with animatronic and inflatable figures aimed at lawn displays. Retailers are buying "a little more optimistically" given the Saturday date, but business growth may be tempered by consumer behavior shifts including delayed buying, more mindful spending, and cautious retail ordering .
